July 14, 2025

The investigation into the Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad has uncovered unsettling details. Three seconds after take-off, the fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was mysteriously cut off, either by a malfunctioning fuel supply switch or one of the pilots manually disengaging it. The report remains inconclusive on what caused the engines to be starved of fuel. However, it referenced a 2018 safety bulletin warning airlines about a potential mechanical flaw with the fuel control switches that could lead to fuel supply cutoff to the engines. The crucial revelation in the 15-page preliminary report, released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) early Saturday, is a snippet from the cockpit voice recording where one pilot questions the other about cutting off the fuel supply, to which the latter denies doing so. The crash of the AI-171 on June 12 resulted in the tragic loss of 270 lives, including 19 individuals on the ground. Aviation safety experts have criticized the report for how it paraphrased the dialogue between the pilots. One noteworthy aspect of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report is its focus on a potential single-point failure or deliberate tampering with a critical flight system, specifically the fuel supply cutoff switch. The possibility of an accidental movement of the fuel control switch from 'run' to 'cut-off' position has been ruled out, as the switch has a locking mechanism for added safety. The report also highlights a 2018 serviceability bulletin concerning the fuel control switch gates that flagged issues with the locking mechanism. The final report, set to be released by June 12, 2026, is expected to shed light on the probable cause of the crash. It is noted that most aviation accidents are a result of a combination of various factors and system failures. Despite the commander of AI-171 having 15,000 hours of flying experience, with a significant portion on the B787, and the co-pilot possessing 3,400 hours of experience, questions remain unanswered. Referring to a service bulletin issued jointly by the FAA and GE in 2021, which recommends replacing the 'MN4 microprocessor on ECU' concerning engine fuel and control, adds an extra layer of complexity to the investigation. The bulletin aims to address a potential safety concern surrounding the engine control unit's crucial role in modern jet engines. The report mentions that CCTV footage from the airport captured the ram air turbine (RAT) being deployed during the initial climb post-takeoff. The aircraft started descending before crossing the airport perimeter wall, with no clear cause determined yet. No immediate safety recommendations have been issued to operators of B787-8 or GEnx-1B engines at this stage of the investigation.

Read More at Timesofindia →

Tags: Air india, Ahmedabad plane crash, Ai171, Boeing 787 dreamliner, Flight accident, Air india crash investigation, Fuel supply, Pilots, Aircraft accident investigation bureau, Aviation safety,